Happy-go-lucky Aphibarnrat legs it all the way to a 2018 ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth win

THAI golfer Kiradech Aphibarnrat was a last minute addition to the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth field, saw the Lake Karrinyup Country Club course for the first time in round one, just snuck into the final day in 24th position, then survived all sorts of close calls to finally capture the title – and the admiration of Aussie golf fans.

The Thai star followed a similar path to his countryman Phachara Khongwatmai, who qualified last in to the top-24 in 2017 and played his way to the final. Only this time the honours lay with Thailand as Aphibarnrat defeated New South Welshman James Nitties in the final six hole matchplay showdown.

It was a barnstorming finish from a crowd favourite who finished with an eagle and a birdie to claim his fourth European Tour title.

“It’s just been an awesome week. I don’t know how to explain, but I’m so happy. I’m working so hard. The last few months I’ve been getting really close and finally I’ve done it,” said Aphibarnrat.

Arriving in Perth on Wednesday afternoon, Aphibarnrat got his first look at the course in round one of the tournament and immediately made an impression shooting 5-under 67. He had even par rounds on Friday and Saturday, which saw him part of a dramatic nine-man playoff to secure a spot in Sunday’s match play final round.

He said the lack of preparation may have been of benefit to him, playing some holes around the course without fear.

“First hole you just see clearly, second hole I hit driver, just 130 yards to the flag on the first round, and then I walked down the fairway and looked at my caddie saying, ‘did you just let me hit driver on this one?’ It’s so narrow, I tell him I won’t hit driver at all,” Aphibarnrat joked.

“It was a little bit relaxing, go out there and when you get the decent start you lose the pressure a little bit and try to free your swing.”

He and Australian Anthony Quayle eventually played the 18th four times in round three before Aphibarnrat secured the final spot inside the top-24 for Sunday.

It was an opportunity Aphibarnrat wouldn’t take from granted; he defeated Ben Eccles (AUS) 1-up in round one and took Yusaku Miyazato through five trips on the Knockout hole, adjacent to the 18th fairway, to qualify for the quarter finals.

American Sean Crocker took Aphibarnrat through all six match play holes but the result eventually fell 1-up in the Thai Professional’s favour.

After playing the first two rounds of the tournament together, Aphibarnrat again met up with Victorian Lucas Herbert, the two big hitters putting on a fantastic display in the semi-final. A brilliant first shot on the Knockout hole proved the difference and Aphibarnrat advanced to meet New South Welshman James Nitties in the final.

After losing the first hole to Nitties, Aphibarnrat showed his class halving the second and winning the final three to take out the final 2&1.

“It’s really tough to get in the last 24. It’s been tough every single match that I play, I played in two knockouts. James (Nitties) is playing so good but he’s just unlucky at the end.”

“I believe if he just keeps doing what he does, one day he’ll be joining our Tour for sure. But I’m just really happy with the result.”

The larger than life character once dubbed ‘the Asian John Daly’ is delighted with his result having put in a lot of extra work to his game over the last few months.

His win is made all the sweeter after a string of near misses in tournaments on both the Asian Tour and European Tour.

“It means a lot. When you focus on something, you try hard, this hard, then I was finishing second and I’m not giving up. I’m trying so hard until I get it.”

This was the debut of Aphibarnrat in the unique ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth format, after experiencing it for himself he said it’s a great attraction for new fans to the game.

“It just makes it more exciting and interesting. I think the kids might love it. I’m sure you’re going to get more fans around the world this week.”

Brian is an award winning golf writer and is the founder and editor of Australian Senior Golfer. He is a former Sydney journalist who had little interest in golf till he hit his first ball at the age of 49 (and a half). Since then golf has just about overtaken his life. Brian founded ASG in April 2008 and has since covered every Australian Open, Presidents Cups, World Cups and numerous other big men’s and women’s tournaments, spending days inside the ropes with the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Tom Watson, Fred Couples, Greg Norman, Adam Scott, Jason Day, Karrie Webb, and many others. He has also played in, and reported on, numerous amateur tournaments, particularly senior and veteran events, around the country. Brian is a member of the Australian Golf Media Association and won the award for Best News Report for 2016 - 2017